The City of Idaho Falls is accepting applications for a Public Information Officer. This position is responsible for providing comprehensive public information and community outreach for the City of Idaho Falls to enhance awareness of city operations, programs and policy decisions. Creates content and communications for internal and external audiences, promotes community engagement and outreach activities, and serves as a spokesperson and media liaison. Supervision Received. Works under the supervision of the Chief of Staff, who directs the City’s strategic communications and community engagement efforts. Please attach a resume and cover letter with your application. Essential Functions Develops and executes a proactive communications and community engagement program for the Mayor’s Office and City departments that provide key city services—Public Works, Municipal Services, Community Development Services and the Airport. Key responsibilities include publicizing and promoting City services, programs and policy decisions to residents and key stakeholders. Creates and coordinates social media goals, objectives and strategies for the departments they support and executes the day-to-day creation of social media content for the City’s social media channels. Works collaboratively with the other City PI - Os and marketing/community coordinators to execute a comprehensive citywide social media program that promotes a positive public image for the City, enhances customer service and community engagement and leverages content across the City. Serves as city spokesperson for the Mayor’s Office and the departments they support, delivering timely and accurate information to the media, residents, staff and other stakeholders. Serves as the point of contact for media outlets and responds to media and public inquiries by researching issues, crafting responses and disseminating information. Builds and maintains strong relationships with local, state and regional media. Uses print, broadcast, digital, social media and internet/email applications and platforms to enhance community relations and community engagement. Also writes, designs and produces press releases, public service announcements, newsletters, talking points, brochures, infographics and other materials to highlight the City’s vision, mission and strategic objectives. Assists in the organization and implementation of interdepartmental City programs and communications. Works with departments to ensure all departmental communication needs are met, and that departments utilize available tools to develop effective public outreach and improve city resident and visitor experiences. Coordinates with department officials, other city PI - Os, emergency management representatives, and area public information officers to ensure timely and accurate information is disseminated during crises, emergencies and other critical situations. Monitors rumors to actively identify and address misinformation. In collaboration with the Chief of Staff and other PI - Os, refines city communications, media and social media policies. Also, ensures consistency and adherence to City procedures and City branding, including current City and department logos, formatting and styles of City communications. Assists in the budgeting process for communications by providing input and data pertaining to program costs and needs. Operates personal computer and various software applications, i.e., Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint), Canva, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, In. Design, Scheduler Plus or other scheduling software, etc., as needed to establish databases, communication documents, illustrations and publications; and may assist in the maintenance of the city website. Provides backup to other City PI - Os and departments as needed, assisting with leaves, emergencies, natural disasters, and unforeseen situations that may arise. Completes FEMA training and other PIO courses and classes as they become available. Responsible for on-call assignments as needed. Performs other duties as required. Minimum Qualifications 1. Education and Experience: A. Graduation from college with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, marketing, or related fields;AND B. Five (5) years progressively responsible public relations related positions;OR C. An equivalent combination of education and experience 2. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Considerable Knowledge of public relations, advertising and marketing practices; the purposes, principles and practices of municipal government; public or platform speaking, proposal development and presentation skills; and English, Grammar, AP Style and creative writing skills. Some skill in the art of diplomacy and cooperative problem solving. Considerable skill in the use of office equipment, i.e., personal computer; phone, fax, copy machine, scanner, digital camera, video and video editing. Ability to draft reports, documents and agreements; break down and simplify complicated information and processes; analyze a variety of program issues and problems and make recommendations; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with professionals, media personnel, executives (public and private) department heads, co-workers and the public; work independently and deal effectively with stress caused by work load and time deadlines; detailed, disciplined, energetic, responsive, proactive self-starter who exercises initiative and independent judgment and is able to act resourcefully under varying conditions; use radios and pagers; operate automobiles and vans. 3. Special Qualifications:Must possess a valid State of Idaho driver's license. Work Environment Incumbent of the position generally performs in a typical office setting with appropriate climate controls. Tasks require a variety of physical activities, generally involve moderate muscular strain, such as walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching and lifting. Must be able to lift 25 lbs. Regular talking, hearing and seeing required in the normal course of performing the job. Common eye, hand and finger dexterity required to perform some essential functions. Mental application utilizes memory for details, listening, patience, verbal instructions, emotional stability, discriminating thinking and creative problem solving. Frequent travel required in normal course of job performance.